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PW: egroj

lunes, 28 de agosto de 2017

Melvin Sparks Band • What You Hear Is What You Get

What You Hear Is What You Get, guitarist Melvin Sparks' first session as a bandleader since 1997's I'm a Gittar Player, finds the guitarist in fine form, showing off his soul-jazz licks with funky aplomb. Since the release of I'm a Gittar Player, Sparks' native style underwent a huge renaissance, especially in New York City. John Scofield's sessions with Medeski, Martin & Wood, Soulive's recordings, and a variety of New York club acts helped find a new audience for the form. From these ranks, Sparks draws Topaz, a saxophone player (and leader of an eponymous unit) who blows on three cuts, including "The Governor," "Funky Good Time," and "Money." Also joining Sparks' quintet for a trio of tracks is his old friend, organist Reuben Wilson. The music is restrained and tasteful throughout. Sparks' playing is crisp and spot-on, though it rarely ventures into experimental territory. If Sparks comes across as hopelessly lodged in the past during some moments, it more often feels like, simply, he never went away. ~ Jesse Jarnow Live Recording Recorded at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, New Jersey on December 3-5, 2001. Includes liner notes by Bob Putignano. Melvin Sparks Band: Melvin Sparks (vocals, guitar, bass); Joe "Herbie J." Hrbek (alto saxophone); George Papageorge (Hammond B-3 organ); Tim Luntzel (acoustic & electric basses); Carter McLean (drums). Personnel: Melvin Sparks (vocals, electric bass); Joe Hrbek (alto saxophone); George Papageorge, Reuben Wilson (organ). Recording information: Tedesco Studio, Paramus, NJ (12/03/2001-12/04/2001). Photographer: Dino Perrucci. Unknown Contributor Roles: Pete Fallico; Leon Spencer; Ronny Jordan; Stanley Banks; Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. Additional personnel: Topaz (tenor saxophone); Reuben Wilson (Hammond B-3 organ). JazzTimes (4/03, p.105) - "...While this skilled ensemble jams with palpable good spirits throughout the recording, it's Sparks' sturdy rhythm support and dexterous Grant Green-esque solos that really highlight the tracks..."

Tracks:
1. Another Joe 5:43
2. What You Hear Is What You Get 6:29
3. The Governor 5:59
4. Funky Good Time 6:19
5. Turnin' Point 5:56
6. Matter of Time 6:32
7. Get N' It 6:50
8. Money (That's What I Want) 6:44
9. Breeze 6:53